Fiction

Games

343 INDUSTRIES

Halo: Winter Contention

Community

Forge Features

Long before the Halo Infinite Forge Beta launched with the Winter Update back in November, we knew we were going to have our collective minds blown by the things the community would make and share when we handed over the tools of map and mode creation. Three months later, we are still seeing that creativity pushed to new heights every week! 



We delivered the Custom Games Browser to Halo Infinite ahead of schedule in December, giving you the ability to make every night a custom games night with friends and foes you just haven’t gotten acquainted with yet. 



And now, on the cusp of Season 3, we’re answering the highly requested call to bring community-made Forge maps to their own unique matchmaking playlist. 



Let’s take a look at what awaits you in the Community Collection playlist, available now!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



ABSOLUTION Credits: Anvil Prime 52, Savesme6464, b0b is here Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/2182e9f8-7555-4955-874d-1afa6053ea62" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Absolution (opens in a new tab)">Absolution</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/2182e9f8-7555-4955-874d-1afa6053ea62"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/12/Absolution-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53941" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/12/Absolution-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/12/Absolution-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/12/Absolution-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/12/Absolution-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/12/Absolution-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/12/Absolution-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2022/12/Absolution-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



A map we previously showed off in <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/forge-features-3" target="_blank">our third issue of Forge Features</a>, Absolution has some familiar aspects of a few different maps—from Halo 2’s Sanctuary to Halo 3’s Guardian, with that weathered, stone-based Forerunner aesthetic that defined the look of Delta Halo. 



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



PERILOUS Credits: Sikamikanico, Whos Blaze, UnknownEmerald, tdubfed1, Bubba Bookmark: <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5ce22703-8ce9-41a2-976e-db932bd2f2eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Perilous (opens in a new tab)">Perilous</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5ce22703-8ce9-41a2-976e-db932bd2f2eb"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Perilous.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-54743" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Perilous.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Perilous-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Perilous-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Perilous-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Perilous-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Perilous-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



While not a direct remake of the iconic Lockout from Halo 2, many areas of this map carry elements of that beloved classic that lend a hint of familiarity to this new space.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



SALVATION Credits: Black Picture, InfiniteForges, Hofsta, tdubfed1 Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Salvation (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e1d4a838-d686-4ccb-88b5-02faf2223927" target="_blank">Salvation</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/e1d4a838-d686-4ccb-88b5-02faf2223927"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Salvation.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-54757" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Salvation.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Salvation-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Salvation-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Salvation-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Salvation-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Salvation-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



Damnation from Halo: Combat Evolved sees a fresh coat of Banished paint and a beautifully revamped industrial aesthetic within a vast cavern.  



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



STARBOARD Credits: Pwn Jones, TheHoodedManZ, bissuetox, The MetaChief, Hitbox unKnown, Max Extra  Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Starboard (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/905e7c0b-c453-4a46-a1e6-5f1d375d9529" target="_blank">Starboard</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/905e7c0b-c453-4a46-a1e6-5f1d375d9529"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/Starboard.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56403" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/Starboard.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/Starboard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/Starboard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/Starboard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/Starboard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/Starboard-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>



All hands have been summoned to battle stations on this stunning UNSC-ified spiritual remake of Halo 2’s Midship.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



This is just the beginning for the Community Collection playlist, which will go on to be updated with further community content in the future—we’ll have further details to share with you on that front down the road.

Alex Wakeford

Community Collection Playlist Launch

Noble Intention Press Kit

We’ve got one last thing for you before Season 3 arrives…



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Branded_xEvents.jpg" alt="Noble Intention event art featuring Thom and Rosenda armor kits." class="wp-image-56218" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Branded_xEvents.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Branded_xEvents-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Branded_xEvents-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Branded_xEvents-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Branded_xEvents-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Branded_xEvents-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Once upon a time, there were to be seven members of Noble Team—the seven samurai, the magnificent seven… but two of them didn’t make it into Halo: Reach.



Thom-A293 perished in the aforementioned game’s live-action
“Deliver Hope” trailer, blowing up a Covenant vessel from the inside with a
tactical nuke. Rosenda-A344 remained in obscure background fiction, cited as a
potential replacement on the team for Emile-A239.



And now, these two Spartans return in the Noble Intention Event for Halo Infinite, along with additional Halo: Reach-themed cosmetics for your MARK V [B] Armor Core in a free 10-tier Event Pass to bring the Winter Update to a close. Alongside the event, we’ve also launched <a href="https://aka.ms/CommunityCollection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="the Community Collection playlist (opens in a new tab)">the Community Collection playlist</a>, which features four community-made Forge maps in matchmaking.



Running from February 7 through February 21, this limited event rewards you for playing however you want—simply complete Challenges and you’ll progress the Event Pass!



So get out there and Remember Reach one last time as we give the Winter Update its send-off!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Rewards_xEvents.jpg" alt="Noble Intention Event Pass outlining the 10 free rewards" class="wp-image-56190" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Rewards_xEvents.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Rewards_xEvents-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Rewards_xEvents-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Rewards_xEvents-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Rewards_xEvents-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/NobleIntention_Rewards_xEvents-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Oh, and don’t forget to complete all of your Challenges this week, which will unlock the Wedgewood Spriggan armor coating for your MARK V [B].



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/WedgewoodSpriggan_ArmorCoating.jpg" alt="The blue toned Wedgewood Spriggan coating for the MARK V [B] armor core." class="wp-image-56204" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/WedgewoodSpriggan_ArmorCoating.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/WedgewoodSpriggan_ArmorCoating-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/WedgewoodSpriggan_ArmorCoating-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/WedgewoodSpriggan_ArmorCoating-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/WedgewoodSpriggan_ArmorCoating-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/WedgewoodSpriggan_ArmorCoating-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



In Season 1 and the Winter Update, the armor and
aesthetics of Halo: Reach have been brought back into the spotlight, and
it seemed fitting that the natural culmination, before we return to the events of
Season 2, was to revisit Noble Team in a new story.



You’ve unlocked their Armor Kits. You’ve rebuilt some of your favorite custom Spartan looks. And now, with the arrival of Thom and Rosenda, it’s only fair that you get to see them in action.



Enter Halo: Winter Contention, a new short story
that you can read online or listen to in audiobook form on YouTube on Wednesday,
February 8. Soon™!



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">December 2551. Though the Covenant invasion of Concord has seen a rare UNSC victory, the Spartans of Noble Team find themselves stranded in a remote hinterland town. While the Covenant’s orbital presence has been neutralized, the remaining alien survivors have regrouped and prepare to make a devastating final stand.‎ With dwindling time and no reinforcements, Kat-B320 comes up with a daring plan to do what Spartans do best and turn the tide – and it’s up to Thom-A293 and Rosenda-A344 to make it happen.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Halo: Winter Contention | Audiobook" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z03t1RQVh_U?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>





As a bonus, you can <a href="https://aka.ms/NobleIntentionPressKit">grab our Noble Intention press kit right here</a>!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Community Collection</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/CommunityCollection_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56417" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/CommunityCollection_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/CommunityCollection_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/CommunityCollection_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/CommunityCollection_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/CommunityCollection_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/CommunityCollection_Waypoint.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Learn more about today’s launch of the Community Collection playlist, the maps, and the Forgers behind it all, by heading over to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="aka.ms/CommunityCollection (opens in a new tab)" href="https://aka.ms/CommunityCollection" target="_blank">aka.ms/CommunityCollection</a>.

Noble Intention Event Launch

Esports

HCS in
2022 was a historic year for Halo esports and it wouldn’t have been possible
without all of the amazing support of fans, players, and partners alike – thank
you. We know everyone has been eagerly awaiting the release of the 2023 roadmap
and today we’re excited to finally pull back the curtain.



To start,
it’s important that we re-establish our high level goals and philosophies about
the league. It’s important because it’ll help fans understand how we make
decisions as a league to keep the league going in a sustainable way so we can
run year after year.



Our
mission is to provide epic entertainment to Halo fans through the thrill of
competition.



We
believe in:



<ul><li>Cultivating and uniting communities</li><li>Providing sustained content for fans around the
world to watch</li><li>Creating a platform for players, teams, and
partners in the ecosystem to thrive on.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PROGRAM GOALS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-hZffFJs-X3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56019" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-hZffFJs-X3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-hZffFJs-X3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-hZffFJs-X3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-hZffFJs-X3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-hZffFJs-X3-1568x1046.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-hZffFJs-X3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



These are
the goals and how we will determine the success of the program and ecosystem.
Success in these areas means we can expand and grow over time, failure in these
areas means we may need to rethink our approach.



<ul><li>Extend engagement outside of our games with
players, and potential players. (Viewership and social media impressions/reach)</li><li>Build a platform that players, teams, sponsors,
tournament operators, and content creators can sustain successful businesses
around. (Participating and investing in Halo needs to provide returns based on
their goals)</li><li>Build a vision and aspiration for our fans,
players, and gamers to create a movement. (We want to create as many 1 + 1 = 3
scenarios as possible. If we all band together, we can truly create something
special)</li><li>Create exciting and epic moments in gaming
culture. (When are the times we are creating a moment and capturing the
attention of the greater online gaming community?)</li><li>Player retention, loyalty, engagement, and more
in-game. (The development team will own these goals more than the esports team,
but still important for us to track and contribute to.)</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FORMAT UPDATES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-B4VsWm2-X3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56075" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-B4VsWm2-X3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-B4VsWm2-X3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-B4VsWm2-X3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-B4VsWm2-X3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-B4VsWm2-X3-1568x1046.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-B4VsWm2-X3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



As Year 1
of HCS was taking place and progressing, we were able to finally get real
feedback and data about how the various components of the league were
performing based on our goals. We thought critically about which components were
having the biggest impact and which were not, and we challenged our assumptions
along the way. In an effort to make improvements based on the overall format
and do so in a way that’s sustainable, we’ve made several changes to the format
and philosophy.



<ol><li>Events: In Year 1, each region had its own multi-step process to get to Majors. (Online – > Regionals / Supers – > Majors – > HaloWC). This was the option we had selected because in theory this would give each region a more meaningful path to the bigger events. What we found however was that while that was true, they impacted how many events all players could attend as a tradeoff and ultimately didn’t provide the maximum amount of excitement, competition, and entertainment that we saw with our Majors. Instead we want every event to be as epic as the last, and we want to give the opportunity to players to have more events overall. For 2023 then, every event will be a global event that each region will have guaranteed representation at including of course the Halo World Championship. </li><li>Online vs LAN: Last year we had had a great deal of online competition including weekly online events, Pro Series, and Supers – and they each had their own weight in the format with regards to points and placement spots. Generally our philosophy was that points meant very little in comparison not only to LAN but also to placement at specific tournaments. We think that in retrospect, the pendulum away from points was swung a bit too far and we’re going to have a more balanced approach for Year 2 where you’ll see that points and thus consistency for players and teams across the season have more weight than they did in Year 1. Finally, while Pro Series and Supers were entertaining in their own right, they did not perform up to the level we had expected them to against our goals outside of the NA Super. Thus we are moving away from them for Year 2 again in favor of more emphasis on LAN while keeping a consistent 4v4 rotation of tournaments around for players to compete in to earn points and qualify for the LAN events. </li><li>Bracket sizes: In Year 1, we had large and in some cases like Raleigh, very large Championship Bracket sizes. The game had just launched and wanted to push the format size as much as we could in order to mitigate the potential inconsistencies that could be possible due to online competition as well as players still acclimating to the game and meta. What we found was general stability in the scene and consistency across online and LAN performances, which is great. Additionally, due to the large bracket sizes we found that there were quite a few matches that were not as competitive and thus exciting/entertaining as they could be. So for 2023 we’re slightly reducing the pool play and championship bracket slots (more details are below and in the handbook) in order to promote competitiveness in both open and championship brackets and thus make each more exciting and interesting to follow. </li></ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2023 ROADMAP</h2>



Without
further ado, here’s the official HCS 2023 Roadmap



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56089" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS-2023-Roadmap.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Texas, Texas, Texas: One of largest requests we received last year was, “When is HCS coming to Texas?”. Well, we’re excited to say that we’re headed to Texas for a total of 3 times in 2023. Texas has historically been a state HCS has visited many times over the years and we’ve always seen great attendance there. With our partners OpTic hosting one event, as well as adding the juggernauts in Complexity to the Team Partnership Program, we felt this would be a great destination and centrally located area for more events. 



New event type – Global Invitational: In 2023 we’re introducing a brand-new event type and format which will be used for 2 events on the roadmap – one at DreamHack Dallas, and one in Salt Lake City with our partners in Spacestation Gaming. For these events, we’re bringing 16 of the world’s best teams to the stage to play for their share of $125,000! In terms of competitiveness, we’re expecting these to be as exciting as Majors and a great way to see which teams are the best in the world in that moment. Additionally, this format ensures that there are more events for all teams to gather instead of just Majors and HaloWC, and thus increases the number of events attended from 5 to 6 total across the year. Finally, it makes it very clear to all fans in the ecosystem that this is the event that you should be following and watching as it brings it all under one roof. 



The 16 qualified teams for the SSG Global Invitational will be broken down as follows:



<ul><li>Top 8 from Arlington Major</li><li>North America: 4 teams</li><li>Europe: 2 teams</li><li>Mexico: 1 team</li><li>Australia and New Zealand: 1 team </li></ul>



Partnered Team Events: The team partnership program is continuing to expand to bring more and more opportunities to teams in effort to help them grow their business while providing great content for fans. Some of these will be smaller online tournaments where teams are broadcasting, others will be large in person tournaments like with the HCS Major and Global Invitational with OpTic and Spacestation respectively. We see teams as a critical component to the entire ecosystem and this is a big leap we’re taking forward for the program as teams have come to us wanting to run more and more tournaments. As time goes on, our ambition to continue to expand this philosophy year over year, and we’re really excited to see where it goes.



Note: For any team tournaments that are part of the official HCS roadmap, the administration will not be managed by the teams but rather by the league directly and independent from the teams. This is to avoid any conflict of interest and maintain competitive integrity. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-wcg7jJ3-X3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56047" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-wcg7jJ3-X3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-wcg7jJ3-X3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-wcg7jJ3-X3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-wcg7jJ3-X3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-wcg7jJ3-X3-1568x1046.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-wcg7jJ3-X3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Weekly Online Events: As with last year we’ve once again partnered with FACEIT to bring you all of the online competition taking place, including of course this weekend’s Charlotte Online Open and subsequent qualifiers. Also taking place on FACEIT are the Quadrant and FaZe Clan Online events coming this Spring. The weekly online events are meant to provide teams with stable and regular competition to earn points, gain tournament experience as a team, and ensure they’re securing positioning for LANs and travel coverage to the various events. 



Prizing:
Each Major in 2023 will feature a prize pool of $250,000 for the 4v4, and a
$5,000 FFA open to all players. As always the Majors feature an open bracket
where any team can show up and fight for a share of the prize. As mentioned above,
the Global Invitationals will feature a prize pool of $125,000. Finally, the
Halo World Championship will once again see a $1,000,000 prize pool as well as
award the title of the best Halo team in the world!



<ul><li><s>Feb 11-12: Charlotte Online Open (Feb 12 for rest of world) </s></li><li><s>Feb 13-14: Charlotte Qualifier (Feb 14 for rest of world)</s></li><li><s>Feb 24-26: HCS Kickoff Major Charlotte: </s></li><li><s>Mar 12: Open Series 2k</s></li><li><s>Mar 16: NA Open Series 2k Finals</s></li><li><s>Mar 19: Open Series 2k</s></li><li><s>Mar 23: NA Open Series 2k Finals </s></li><li><s>Mar 26: Open Series 4k Qualifier</s></li><li><s>April 1-2: NA Open Series 4k (Apr 2 rest of world)</s></li><li><s>April 16: EU Quadrant 4k Qualifier, Open Series 4k Qualifiers (rest of world)</s></li><li><s>April 22-23: NA Open Series 4k</s></li><li><s>April 23: EU Quadrant Open Series 4k, MX/ANZ Open Series 4k</s></li><li><s>April 30: Open Series 2k </s></li><li><s>May 4: NA Open Series 2k Finals</s></li><li><s>May 7: NA FaZe Clan 4k Qualifier, Open Series 4k Qualifier (rest of world)</s></li><li><s>May 12-13: NA FaZe Clan Open Series 4k DreamHack Dallas Qualifier, Open Series 4k DreamHack Dallas Qualifier (May 13 rest of world)</s></li><li><s>June 2-4: HCS Global Invitational @ DreamHack Dallas</s></li><li><s>June 30 – July 1: HCS Arlington Major hosted by OpTic</s></li><li>July 16: SSG Pre-Qualifier </li><li>July 22-23: HCS/SSG Global Invitational Qualifier, (NA starts on July 22. All other regions start on July 23)</li><li>August 4-6: HCS Global Invitational hosted by Spacestation Gaming</li><li>August 12-13: HCS Open Championship (All Regions – NA starts on Aug 12. All other regions start on Aug 13)</li><li>Sept 1-3: HCS Fort Worth Major </li><li>October 13-15: Halo World Championship 2023 (Seattle, Washington)</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHERE TO WATCH</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-9ZhvWPT-X3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56103" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-9ZhvWPT-X3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-9ZhvWPT-X3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-9ZhvWPT-X3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-9ZhvWPT-X3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-9ZhvWPT-X3-1568x1046.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-9ZhvWPT-X3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



In 2023,
you’ll be able to watch all official HCS events live on Twitch and YouTube as
in Year 1.



Primary streams:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/halo">Twitch.tv/Halo</a></li><li><a href="mailto:YouTube.com/@HaloEsportsHCS">YouTube.com/@HaloEsportsHCS</a></li></ul>



And for
events with multiple streams, we’ll be using these channels:



<ul><li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/hcs">Twitch.tv/HCS</a></li><li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/hcs_red">Twitch.tv/HCS_Red</a></li><li><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/hcs_blue">Twitch.tv/HCS_Blue</a></li></ul>



Be sure to follow and subscribe
to each account to ensure you’re not missing any of the action! 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MORE DETAILS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-FWh7FpL-X3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56131" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-FWh7FpL-X3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-FWh7FpL-X3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-FWh7FpL-X3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-FWh7FpL-X3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-FWh7FpL-X3-1568x1046.jpg 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/i-FWh7FpL-X3.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Crowdfunding: Our desires and ambitions around crowdfunding remain strong, and going forward we want to increase our support here and provide a more transparent way for fans to contribute to the scene they love. There won’t be crowdfunding in 2023. For us to bring it back, there’s some feature work in the game/web that we want to ensure is in place first before we bring crowdfunding back again in a big way. We want to make this a fully fledged feature that players and fans have a great time engaging with and supporting. We’ll have more details down on the road on this. 



Handbook: The HCS 2023 handbook is also available and ready for players to reference <a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/02/HCS_2023_Program_Handbook_v1.0.pdf">here.</a> We encourage all players to read and understand the handbook so they best know the format, how the tournament structure works and comes together, and how they can best be prepared for the competition this year. This is where you’ll find all the information regarding qualification, points breakdown, code of conduct, and more. 



Free-For-All (FFA): FFA will still be a regular part of the HCS roadmap with an open FFA at each major with a prize pool of $5,000, as well as at the Halo World Championship with a prize pool of $25,000. At the moment, there are no plans for weekly online FFA tournaments and we will continue to look for opportunities to include FFA into the ecosystem. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CONCLUSION</h2>



After a
long offseason it’s finally time to get back into the action and Charlotte is
just a few short weeks away from kicking off – we can’t wait. All new rosters,
new events, more global events than 2023, and nonstop action. Best of luck to
all teams competing!



For all the latest on the Halo Championship, keep it locked to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/esports">Halo.gg</a>, and be sure to follow @HCS on <a href="https://twitter.com/hcs">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hcs/">Instagram</a>.

Official HCS

HCS 2023 Roadmap

Canon Fodder

Issue 137

Canon Fodder: Didact’s Domain

Community Spotlight

Issue 005

Community Corner: Halo Guy

It’s that time again for another issue of Forge Features!



We’re doing things Halo 2-style for this particular outing, as there have been a considerable number of stunning remakes and reimaginings of both campaign and multiplayer spaces from the 2004 classic.



As a reminder, these maps can be found in the “Recommended” section of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc" target="_blank">the Content Browser here on Halo Waypoint</a> and in Halo Infinite.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



BACKWASH Credits: D3LTA V, Foge, SARIZON, NZO7, DeadlyAp, ForgeRunnerX Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/0818b637-12e0-4b4d-a215-9384aefb6983" target="_blank">Backwash</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Backwash.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Backwash" class="wp-image-55348" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Backwash.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Backwash-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Backwash-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Backwash-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Backwash-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Backwash-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The year is 2005. It’s the height of summer and the Maptacular Pack has just released for Halo 2!



Backwash was made to resemble the final area of the campaign mission 343 Guilty Spark from Halo: Combat Evolved, with additional cool details like 2401 Penitent Tangent flying around. It was famously the only map to be removed from matchmaking during the heyday of Halo 2, as the fog which compromises the player’s visibility couldn’t be loaded properly.



I used to enjoy playing “cat-and-mouse”-type custom games on Backwash where players had active camouflage and snipers. Now I can relive that thanks to this very loyal remake!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



GROUNDWORK Credits: ARPOD Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5a7429e6-d0e5-4b16-83d8-e1c52098bf72" target="_blank">Groundwork</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Groundwork.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Grounded" class="wp-image-55362" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Groundwork.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Groundwork-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Groundwork-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Groundwork-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Groundwork-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Groundwork-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



A remake of Foundation from Halo 2, but with at least six-hundred times the detail to make it feel like a genuinely lived-in courtyard.



Thankfully, you don’t need to go through any convoluted steps to unlock this one!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



APOSTATE Credits: soft sharp Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/5ccc0be3-8213-44d7-80fe-19b1c947731a" target="_blank">Apostate</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Apostate.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Apostate" class="wp-image-55334" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Apostate.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Apostate-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Apostate-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Apostate-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Apostate-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Apostate-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



I love interactive map elements. Even when it’s something as simple as being able to extend a bridge or open a gate, or activate a shield somewhere… being able to subtly alter the way a map plays always makes me love it more.



On Apostate, one of the central features of the top part of the map is its light bridge. Shoot the shock cores on either side of the map and you’ll disable it, sending any Spartans caught on the bridge plunging to the depths below, leaving you to reactivate the bridge from a nearby terminal.



Sometimes true brilliance is found in the simplest ideas, and that’s exactly what you get with Apostate!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



HALO 2 OUTSKIRTS Credits: NextGenAccount Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/9ad5e43a-1715-450c-b088-4a51de51cd1f" target="_blank">Halo 2 Outskirts</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H2Outskirts.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Halo 2 Outskirts" class="wp-image-55376" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H2Outskirts.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H2Outskirts-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H2Outskirts-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H2Outskirts-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H2Outskirts-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/H2Outskirts-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



It’s the dense alleys and housing districts of Outskirts from the Halo 2 campaign, but greatly expanded in detail and there are no Jackals in this courtyard.



Look, if “No Jackal Snipers!” doesn’t sell you on a reservation at Hotel Zanzibar, I don’t know what will.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



VAGABOND Credits: Squally DaBeanz, PersianForge, INeedMoreBleach Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/16de0468-9e2a-4d2c-bc91-bcc99dafc6b4" target="_blank">Vagabond</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Vagabond.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Vagabond" class="wp-image-55404" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Vagabond.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Vagabond-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Vagabond-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Vagabond-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Vagabond-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Vagabond-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



While not a direct recreation of any particular space, Vagabond evokes the neon-lit cityscapes seen throughout the series. There are elements of Plaza, Streets, and other urban maps that give a grounding sense of familiarity to this city of dreams.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



NEMESIS Credits: WAR FH, b0b is here, MythicFritz, I Crush All, AgentPaperCraft, VwS Executioner, Trignate, I am a Luxury, marka2263, tdubfed1 Bookmark: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/807bfbc5-c7b5-4f2e-92a1-92ec929fac3f" target="_blank">Nemesis</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Nemesis.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite screenshot of Nemesis" class="wp-image-55390" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Nemesis.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Nemesis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Nemesis-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Nemesis-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Nemesis-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/Nemesis-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



I’m a big fan of seeing how creatively folks can marry the visual simplicity of Halo: Combat Evolved’s Forerunner aesthetics with some of the design sensibilities introduced in Halo 4. In terms of appearance, that’s exactly what you get with Nemesis, which also boasts an incredible level of detail in its out-of-map environments—sentinels fly into distant cavernous openings, birds pass overhead…



Getting caught unawares because you’ve found yourself staring at every little thing on this map is definitely a danger!



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUNITY CREATIONS</h2>



Are you looking to add some falling rocks to your map? Check out this handy YouTube tutorial that’ll teach you to create this ambient occurrence using a recursive event that will make five rocks constantly fall.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="How to do ambient falling rocks - Forge tutorial - Halo Infinite Forge" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TMwYA4vJhWs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Speaking of which, VidGamesPete has put together a handy Forge script tutorial covering the basics of how to use the “Every N Seconds Event,” helping you to better automate certain elements of your map.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Forge Script Tutorial - Every N Seconds Event" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mKJa0663nN8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Finally, DEWtheMCCOY continues to diligently cover a swatch of amazing community creations in Forge and has put together an end-of-year round-up for 2022—check it out!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="2022 Halo Infinite Forge Recap" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J52v2a-dwkk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



That brings this issue of Forge Features to a close. Stay tuned on Halo Waypoint, check out the content browser, hop into the Custom Games Browser, and follow <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://twitter.com/Halo" target="_blank">@Halo</a> on Twitter for more Forge goodness!

Community Cartography 005

Forge Features: January 27, 2023

Community Update

January Jottings

With the offseason coming to a close shortly we’re providing updates about the 2023 season of the Halo Championship Series so competitors and fans know what to expect for qualifiers as well as format for the Charlotte Major. Let’s jump right in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CHARLOTTE KICKOFF MAJOR</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/HCS_Charolette-Vis-ID_1920x675-1-1024x360.png" alt="" class="wp-image-55305" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/HCS_Charolette-Vis-ID_1920x675-1-1024x360.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/HCS_Charolette-Vis-ID_1920x675-1-300x105.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/HCS_Charolette-Vis-ID_1920x675-1-768x270.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/HCS_Charolette-Vis-ID_1920x675-1-1536x540.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/HCS_Charolette-Vis-ID_1920x675-1-1568x551.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2023/01/HCS_Charolette-Vis-ID_1920x675-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Format: The event format will be very similar to what
we saw in Year 1 but we’ve made a few refinements now that we’ve got a full
year of global competitive results to build from. Here’s what you can expect:



<ul><li>Open Bracket: As is customary, there will be an open bracket featured at the Charlotte Major (and every Major in 2023). This will take place on Friday, February 24 and will start and end on the same day. The bracket will be filled by the first 96 teams to purchase a pass. The top 4 teams from the Open Bracket will move on to Pool Play (2 from the Winner’s bracket, 2 from the Elimination Bracket) They will be placed into Pool Play and will have a shot to earn a spot in the Championship Bracket.</li><li>Pool Play: The Top 12 teams from qualifiers will be starting the tournament from Pool Play on Friday, February 24 competing in a Best of 5 round robin format as is customary. You’ll notice this number is slightly reduced from Year 1. We made this decision to increase the competitiveness of Pool Play, as well as the competitiveness of the Open Bracket. We expect to see more intense matches, a more intense Championship Bracket, as well as more competitive teams coming out of the Open Bracket. As with last year, each of the 4 competing regions will have a set amount of slots in Pool Play and Open Bracket which we’ve also adjusted based on Year 1 results. The regional breakout is as follows:<ul><li>North America: 8 Pool Play slots, 2 Open Bracket Travel Coverage slots</li><li>Europe: 2 Pool Play slots, 2 Open Bracket Travel Coverage slots</li><li>Mexico: 1 Pool Play slot, 1 Open Bracket Travel Coverage slot</li><li>Australia and New Zealand: 1 Pool Play slot, 2 Open Bracket Travel Coverage slots</li></ul></li></ul>



IMPORTANT NOTE: As with last year, all teams in pool play will receive travel stipends. Additionally, as with last year, we’re still providing regional travel support for the next top teams regionally so that there’s still meaningful global participation at the Majors and those teams have the chances to prove themselves worthy of qualifying for pool play and the championship bracket.



<ul><li>Championship Bracket: For HaloWC 2022 the
top 2 teams from each pool went to the Winner’s Bracket, the 3rd
place team went to the Elimination Bracket, while the 4th place team
was eliminated from the competition. In 2023, we’re going to replicate this
format for the Majors. Like with the Pool Play changes, our aim is to overall
create a more competitive format where the matches are also higher stakes along
the way. We felt this was a success for HaloWC and we’re excited to see it in
action for the Majors.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Qualifier Dates: As announced back at HaloWC, online qualifiers for the Charlotte Major are taking place later this month for all 4 regions. See the dates below:<ul><li>Charlotte Online Open: February 4-5 in NA, Feb 5 for rest of world.</li><li>Charlotte Main Qualifier: February 7-8 in NA, Feb 8 for rest of world. </li><li>Charlotte Roster Lock: February 9 (For Pool Play teams)</li></ul></li></ul>



Qualifier
Format:



<ul><li>Year 1 Points: Players fought all season long in 2022 and we want to recognize their efforts as well as ensure the first competition of the new season is as balanced as it can be. To accomplish this, Year 1 points will be used for seeding for Charlotte Online Open. Once the Online Open has concluded, all Year 1 points will be wiped and only Year 2 points will be used going forward. </li><li>Qualification: In Year 1 we leaned heavily into rewarding teams for earning spots in those specific qualifiers as opposed to points accumulated across all qualifiers. In Year 2, we’re going to balance this out a bit more so that teams that perform well in the main qualifier are rewarded, but that we’re accounting for consistent performances by rewarding teams that have accumulated points through consistent performances during the qualification period. You’ll see this philosophy throughout the season as well as we look to strike the right balance. Here’s how it breaks out per region:<ul><li>North America: 6 with placement qualification, 2 with points.</li><li>Europe: 1 with placement qualification, 1 with points.</li><li>Mexico: 1 with placement qualification</li><li>Australia and New Zealand: 1 with placement qualification</li></ul></li></ul>



Note: Teams that qualify for Open Bracket travel coverage per the breakout above will be determined based on points only.  



Just like with Year 1, all online tournaments will be run on the FACEIT platform and registration opens tomorrow, January 26. Keep an eye out for registration links by following <a href="https://twitter.com/hcs">@HCS on Twitter.</a> 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CONCLUSION</h2>



Looking forward into 2023 we’re thrilled to get back out on
the road and put on a great tournament experience and show for all fans and
players. I think we all needed a bit of a break after the wild action in Year
1, but it’s now time to kick off Year 2! 



Next up we’ll talk about the HCS Team Partnership program
and what you can expect this year, as well as the full roadmap for the year. 



Keep it locked to <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/esports">Halo.gg</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hcs">HCS on Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hcs/">HCS on Instagram</a> to see the latest updates on the Halo Championship Series.

Charlotte Format and Qualifiers

Issue 136

Canon Fodder: New Year, New Lore